Yes, I saw this crazy article also. Seems to be very dedicated to get the shot but yes I would have protected myself better.
I would say I go to some very serious lengths, bleeding part of the game, poison sumac and oak sometimes can't help it, but you pay the penalty every year. Last year got a hugh case of poison sumac and was bleeding badly but the image and trip must continue.
Yes, I train every year to keep the pain of carrying 80 pounds of gear into the woods, but if that's what it takes then you do it. Some of you know what it takes because you have been out there with me but, it pays off when you see your images 50 or 60 inches on the gallery wall.
But for christ sake you need to protect yourself some what. I'm going to Texas for 2 weeks to shoot spring bloom, so I wear snake boots, if you don't then the gene pool will raise some. Take some precautions. I wouldn't go out into the upper northwest without peperspray, so why climb into the water without a suit.
Those are nice images...